Welcome to the Hiking the Bitterroot Mountains
If your lucky, you’ll hike all the drainage’s from Lolo to Trapper Peak. If you’re new to the hiking or the Bitterroot Valley you have to walk up at least three wonderful Bitterroot mountain trails. When we hiked the Bitterroot we never bothered to carry a camera. We just took it for granted the landscape, fishing and hunting in the back country would never change so what was the point. We learned the hard way that if you ever get an opportunity to hike go, because you can never assume it will still be there in the future.
#1) Big Creek Trail Near Victor
You are looking at “Big Creek” (below). An easy and relaxing 6.6 mile out and back hike through beautiful cedars and scenery with rushing water sounds from the nearby creek. The Big Creek Trail is the “easiest” trail of the three Bitterroot trails you need to walk. A million years ago, after hiking a couple miles, we came across a dead Mountain Goat laying on the Big Creek Trail. Initially we thought is was a dog. It was a relief but still a little sad to discover is was a goat that didn’t survive the winter. We are curious to hear what you saw while hiking in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Send a comment on the Request Page of the website.
#2) Bass Creek Trail Near Stevensville
Okay, you conquered the mighty “Big Creek Trail.” What’s next? Bass Creek trail is an overnight trip with lots of miles. You get a taste of how rugged the Bitterroot Mountains can be. The good news is, the 10.2 mile hike in has a payoff at the end, an alpine lake full of hungry trout. Quiz time: Why is this location called “Bass Creek?” Hint: The “Bass Mansion” in Stevensville. In 1864, brothers William and Dudley Bass crossed the plains from Missouri by mule team to prospect for gold in Montana. When that venture failed, they eventually settled in the Bitterroot Valley. By the 1890’s the brother’s Pine Grove Farms was shipping apples to markets as far away as the Atlantic Coast. Bass Creek and the “Bass Mansion” commissioned by Dudley Bass in 1908, is just one of several Bitterroot Valley landmarks that bear his name.
#3) Blodgett Canyon Trail Near Hamilton
You just hiked the “Bass Creek Trail.” Can it get any better? The last of the recommended “Big Three Trails” of the Bitterroot Mountains is Blodgett Canyon. The book say the 8.5 mile trail to Blodgett Lake is well-maintained with a mild elevation gain. In fact, the trail terrain is very rocky with a few creek crossings, making it a moderate hike. Bring plenty of water and check for ticks on your return. If you are a veteran of the Big Creek and Bass Trails it should be easy for you. At 1.5 miles, the canyon starts to open up, allowing great views of the granite cliffs, look for climbers on the walls. This trail is popular, you will see lots of day hikers making the 3.5 mile hike to the waterfall and inviting deep natural pool.
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